Mike Day, a former Navy SEAL and Silver Star recipient, passed away on March 27, 2023, at the age of 47. He was found dead in his home after hanging himself, leaving behind a family and a community that mourned his loss. Day was a decorated veteran who survived being shot 27 times during a mission in Iraq in 2007, but he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the rest of his life.
A Warrior’s Warrior
Day was born on May 24, 1975, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in Auburn, Washington. He joined the Navy in 1992 and became a SEAL in 1996. He served for 21 years in various units, including SEAL Team Four, SEAL Team Eight, and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), also known as SEAL Team Six. He participated in multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other operations around the world.
Day was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor, for his actions on April 6, 2007, when he was the assault force commander for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-Fallujah. He and his team were tasked with capturing a high-ranking member of al-Qaeda during a helicopter-borne raid. Day was the first to enter a room where four enemy insurgents were waiting to ambush him. He engaged them in a fierce gunfight, killing three of them and wounding the fourth. He was shot 27 times in the process, with bullets hitting his abdomen, arms, legs, and body armor. He also suffered shrapnel wounds from a grenade and a TBI from the blast.
Despite his injuries, Day continued to clear the rest of the structure and rescued six women and children who were inside. He refused to be carried by his Iraqi scouts and walked to the helicopter by himself. He spent nearly two years recovering from his wounds, losing over 50 pounds in two weeks while in the hospital. According to Navy Times, Day’s heroism and determination inspired his fellow teammates and set the standard for the SEAL community.
A Wounded Warrior
Day retired from the Navy in 2013 as a senior chief petty officer (SEAL). He wrote a memoir titled “Perfectly Wounded” that chronicled his experience and recovery. He also became a tactical training instructor for special operations forces and law enforcement personnel. He founded Warrior Tribe, a non-profit organization that provided veterans and trauma survivors with resiliency training resources.
However, Day also suffered from invisible wounds that haunted him for years. He battled with PTSD and TBI that affected his mental health and well-being. He had nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts. He tried various treatments and therapies, but nothing seemed to work for him. He felt isolated and hopeless, unable to cope with his pain.
On March 27, 2023, Day took his own life by hanging himself in his home. He left behind his wife Wendy and four children: Dylan, Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Kylee. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and fellow veterans who admired him as a true American hero.
A Legacy of Courage
Day’s death sparked a conversation about the challenges and struggles that many veterans face after returning from war. It also raised awareness about the need for more support and resources for those who suffer from PTSD and TBI. Many people expressed their condolences and gratitude for Day’s service and sacrifice on social media and other platforms.
Day’s legacy will live on through his family, his book, his organization, and his example of courage and resilience. He was a warrior’s warrior who never gave up on his mission or his teammates. He was also a wounded warrior who fought bravely against his demons until the end. He will be remembered as one of the finest SEALs who ever lived.
